First Time India in November

I'm starting to plan my first trip to India for November - We (there will be 2 travelling) are looking to fly to Delhi and spend 2 full days there - from there on to Agra (for Taj only really) , Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur (about 10 days in total), fly south to Goa or Kerala for a few days and a couple of days in Mumbai before heading home. Apart from the initial 2 nights in Delhi we are not planning to reserve accommodation (for now). I am looking to see if this is an OK or normal thing to do or would I need to book ahead given that it'll be the tourist season ?

We were initially tending to take an organised tour of Rajasthan, from an Indian tour provider but prices seem ridiculously high (10 days = €2700 for both of us, [aproxx. 190,000 RS ], Hotel + car/bus travel, not including airfare). Am I being totally naïve in thinking that we could reduce this greatly in doing this independently ? We originally planned a budget of €100 (7,000 RS) per day but that's to include all expenses, hotels, food, travel, entrance fees to sights etc. which from reading doesn't seem to be an impossible task. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated !!

It's very much possible to do a significantly cheaper trip. You'd do well to book the initial night (perhaps both), given that it is a long flight and you'd be exhausted and 'first time India' will hit you hard. Look at Lutyen's bungalow where a friend (used to be on IM) for Delhi - bit on the expensive side. Another option is Bloomrooms (check trip advisor). I'd recommend booking a car and driver using either Swagatam or Indian Panorama or Namaste India - again I live in Jaipur so all these car co recommendations are what I've read here on IM.

Have you been to another developing country before and haggled on the spot for accommodation? If not, then try to book (not prepay the entire amount of course) using one of the many engines online.

I'll also parse this query to another thread - might work out better that way.

ETA: If you think you can brave it using trains and buses, then do read a bit on IM and let us know a rough order of visit. People can offer more specific advice that way - but in general, its a mixed bag traveling by public transport here - could be a great way to meet people, see life up close - or could be a totally rotten experience.

I would suggest to spend an evening and a morning in Agra in order to see the Taj from Mehtab Bagh in the evening and from inside the complex early next morning. For more information about what to see in Agra read my trip report in my signature.

The quote given does seem steep. Which car and what all is included in the cost?

Thanks. Will look into the driver suggestion, didn't think of that!
I will definitely book a hotel for the first 2 nights in Delhi.
My traveling companion would be more used to haggling on the spot as he has toured SE Asia but booking ahead is something I would be more prone to do.

Included ; Hotel, B&B basis, 5 seater car and driver, tours of cities mentioned, car tranfers between cities, fees to most sights.

check tripadvisor or booking.com to see what kind of hotels sound attractive to you and what they cost.
That way you will know the realistic cost of your accommodation.

We used Delhi basedNamaste twice and were very satisfied with them.
Their prices are much lower, ask them for a dedicated tour.

Thanks will check that

Yes, thank you, once i got their itinerary i checked the hotels listed
And they weren't at all expensive so was wondering about the cost

Don't forget the Camel Fair is in November in Pushkar.

Yes, I was advised by the tour operator to avoid it !! not so sure
Why, would have thought it would be something to see

Depends on your reaction to crowds, pick pockets, and potential stampedes all of which are not uncommon in India. I would love it as would my shona baba. He is the kind that crashes weddings, dancing with best of them or at least as enthusiastically. His mom thinks of us as completely pagul videshis and is extremely uncomfortable with crowds..

I was suggesting the OP to go. But I've never been.

Is the Kumbh Mela or any Melas any different?

I would love to go, but never been to India that time of year yet.